Forms for casting concrete

ABSTRACT

A form for casting concrete comprising a pair of flat skin faces supported by an internal framework formed of at least a supporting rib along each of its longitudinal edges and an intermediate parallel strip establishing therewith at least one longitudinally extending through-channel. A movable bolt member located in each channel and extending substantially the length of the form, movable outward thereof to simultaneously serve as a supporting brace for the form and for any bridging member associated with it.

United States Patent Notzel 1 1 Sept. 5, 1972 v [54] FORMS FOR CASTINGCONCRETE [72] Inventor: Gerhard Notzel, Alpenblickstr. 9,

7993 Kressbronn, Germany [22] Filed: Feb. 16, 1970 21 Appl. No.: 11,645

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Feb. 25, 1969 Germany ..P 19 09457.6

52 US. Cl. ..249/189, 249/192, 249/196 51 Im. on ..E04g 11/00 [58] Fieldof Search ..249/156, 192, 193, 196, 47, 249/28, 29, 189; 25/131 P [56]References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,120,570 12/1914 Venable..25/131 P 1,285,295 11/1918 Marqua ..249/28 X 3,124,858 3/1964 Blonde..249/193 1,974,130 9/1934 Wedberg ..25/131 P 1,911,146 5/1933 Diehl..249/192 1,339,912 5/1920 Ambursen ..249/192 3,461,631 8/1969 Brugnola..52/585 1,890,532 12/1932 Skolnik ..25/131 R X 2,933,920 4/1960 Steuler..25/131 R X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 320,218 5/1957 Switzerland..249/189 1,462,698 11/1966 France ..249/ 189 UX 185,557 5/1956 Germany..249/196 1,088,470 3/1955 France ..249/192 543,496 5/1956 Italy..249/189 Primary Examiner-J. Spencer Overholser Assistant ExaminerBenD. Tobor Attorney-Richard Low and Murray Schaffer [57] ABSTRACT A formfor casting concrete comprising a pair of flat skin faces supported byan internal framework formed of at least a supporting rib along each ofits longitudinal edges and an intermediate parallel strip establishingtherewith at least one longitudinally extending through-channel. Amovable bolt member located in each channel and extending substantiallythe length of the form, movable outward thereof to simultaneously serveas a supporting brace for the form and for any bridging memberassociated with it.

7 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTED sn 5 m2 INVENTOR Gasman VoTzE. L

FORMS FOR CASTING CONCRETE BACKGROUND OF INVENTION The present inventionrelates to concrete casting methods particularly to forms used in thecasting of poured concrete structures.

Conventional forms currently in use in the in-situ casing of walls,floors, ceilings and other structural bodies comprise a rectangularbox-like construction having a peripherally enclosed frame and at leastone smooth face skin. While such forms come in many sizes, a convenientsize for optimum strength and ease of handling is one having a lengthbetween 1% to 2 meters, a width of about 50 cm and a thickness of aboutcm.

The most efficient use of such forms occurs when the proposed buildingis designed to dimensions which are nearly exact multiples of the formsize so that they may be reconciled exactly to the specific use. In suchcases the forms are optimumly placed so that they cover the entire areato be cast and leave no marginal or interspacial voids. Unfortunatelyvery few, if any, construction jobs are so designed and nearly alwayssuch spaces and voids occur.

Generally the aforementioned drawback and disadvantage is overcome bymanually constructing supplementary forms (to fill the longitudinalgaps) and bridging members (to fill the transverse gaps) of special sizeand shape for placement between adjacent forms or along their marginaledges. Because the cumulative as well as the individual strength of theforms are diminished when they are not placed in optimum fashion, it isnecessary to provide additional support sand structural reinforcement.This problem is accentuated when the form is supplied with rabbettedperipheral edges and fittings which are designed to dove tail or engagewith adjacent similarly provided forms. Such edges and fittings areinherently weak without their mating parts.

It has been found that where supplemental forms and bridging members arerequired, the construction job is disproportionately more expensive andtime consuming. In fact it has been found that, if more than 25 percentof the area to be covered requires such special attention, it would bemore economical to construct the entire area Completely without the useof presupplied forms.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide forms,for concrete construction, overcoming the disadvantages found in priorart devices.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide formswhich have universal application and which can be adjustablydimensioned.

It is another object of the present invention to provide concretecasting forms which have means for supporting and locating bridgingmembers and also reduce the need for supplementary forms.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a concretecasting form which has increased strength and durability especiallyalong its peripheral edges.

It is a specific object of the present invention to provide a ready-madecasting form which will reduce the cost of handling and consequently bemore economical to use than prior devices.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION According to the present invention aform for casting concrete is provided comprising a pair of flat skinfaces supported by an internal framework formed of at least a supportingrib along each of its longitudinal edges and an intermediate parallelstrip establishing therewith at least one longitudinally extendingthrough-channel in which is located a movable bolt member. The boltmember extends substantially the length of the form and is movableoutward thereof to simultaneously serve as a supporting brace for theform and for any bridging member associated with it.

In the preferred versions of the present invention the bolt member andthe form ribs are dimensioned so that optimum use of space and materialsis employed.

A full description of the present invention as well as of its objectsand advantages follows herein and is seen in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a formmade in accordance with the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a top plan view partially sectioned of the form of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of a plurality of forms assembled in theconstruction of a ceiling,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 44 of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 55 of FIG. 4 and of FIG. 6,

FIG. 6 is a sectional view along line 6-6 of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 77 of FIG. 8,

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 88 of FIG. 7 and FIG. 9,

FIG. 9 is a partial plan view partly sectioned of a second ceilinginstallation,

FIG. 10 is a full plan view of the installation shown in FIGS. 7-9, and

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of an installation for erecting verticalwalls.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Turning to FIG. 1 the present invention isembodied in a pre-assembled form 1 having a pair of smooth rectangularskin faces 2 separated by a rib 3 extending along each of their marginallongitudinal edges. The marginal ribs 3 have smooth planar edges and aresecured to the faces 2 in a conventional manner depending, of course,upon the materials used. Intermediate each of the marginal ribs 3 are,similarly, secured one or more strips 4. The strips 4 may be of the sameor different material than the ribs 3 or the faces 2, but they are ofthinner dimensions and are arranged parallel to each of the ribs.Accordingly there is formed between the strips 4 and the ribs 3 aplurality of through-channels 5 which extend parallel to thelongitudinal marginal edge of the faces 2.

Located within selected through-channels 5 is bolt bar 6, which may alsobe of the same or different material than that of the rib 3. The boltbar 6 is dimensioned so as to have generally secure fit within thechannel 5, yet be movable longitudinally with respect thereto. The boltbar 6 is preferably of equal or greater length than the length of theform 1 so that it can act as a suitable internal supporting and bracingmember for it. Also it may be moved so that at least part of it extendsoutward of the transverse end of the form, into a similar channel formedin an adjacent form or as the brace support for a bridging member. Toaccommodate a bolt bar from an adjacent form at the same time as its ownchannel 5, at least those in the central portion of the form should bemore than twice the width of the bar.

In normal use, as will be seen in more detail later, the forms are usedin multiples to cover the major portion of surface to be covered and arearranged with their longitudinal axis parallel and with as many of theiredges abutting one another (FIGS. or 11). In this manner each form maybe horizontally or vertically stacked to cover a wide area. When alarger area is to be covered additional forms are stacked adjacent tothem so that their transverse ends abut. In this condition one or moreof the bolt bars 6 are moved so that they support each of the contiguousforms. In the event a gap or space results between the forms the samebolt bars are located so that they bridge the gap and function tosupport a bridging member as can be seen for example in FIG. 10.

It is preferred that the form be made of wood, for the obviouscharacteristics of strength, adaptability, adjustably and economy.However, sheet metal, metal bars, plastic and other similar materialsmay be used. Wood is suitable since it can easily be cut and trimmed tofit, should small adjustments be necessary. Plastic also has thischaracteristic.

While the dimensions are not critical suitable forms have beenconstructed having the overall dimensions of conventional forms withskins of 10 mm, marginal ribs of 50 mm and intermediate strips of mm sothat a channel of 60 mm for the bolt bar is formed. In one form the boltbar is preferably rectangular or square and of the same width as thechannel so that it has a sliding force fit between the inner surfaces ofthe skins to give suitable support and bracing to the form 1. In anotherform the width of the channel 5 i.e., between skins 2) may be determinedby using standard planed or smooth stock material so that the bolt barsmay be made by using multiple pieces of unplaned or raw stock material.

It will be seen from this brief description that,-

because all the ribs 3 and 4 extend parallel to each in the longitudinaldirection and are secured to the skins 2, the form is exceptionallyresistant to bending, and to the exertion of pressure against either ofthe face skins. The pressure or carrying load capacity of the form maybe augmented, as desired, by the insertion of additional bolt bars 6 inany of the channels 5. Either face may be used adjacent the pouredconcrete and, in fact, both faces may be simultaneously employed, ifdesired.

In some embodiments it may be preferred to make the marginal ribs of asize where they are greater than half of the transverse distance of thechannel 5 i.e., between the cover skins 2) so that the longitudinalmarginal edges have a high strength and loading characteristic.Tensioning anchors lateral support fittings etc may, thus be secured tothe form without weakening the form at all. Since such enlarged marginalribs increase the strength of the form, one or more of the intermediatestrips may be eliminated or reduced in size.

The form may be made of a combination of planed and unplaned common,standard wood planks and sheets so that in assembly they will matesmoothly and uniformly, securely interlocking and provide uniform anduniversal means for locating and securing bridging members and fillingelements to it. Because standard sizes are employed supplemental formsneed not be specially constructed. The gaps and spaces being filled bystandard size planks or timber members are described in detail later.If, for example, the channel 5 is 60 mm and the thickness of skins is 10mm then the bolt bar may be a single square timber of 60 mm, in whichcase a bridging member of 10 mm may be used, or the bolt bar may be madeof two 24 mm unplaned planks which are nailed together and a 22 mm coverplank may be used as the bridging member. Similar construction can beobtained in the English measuring systems since similar standard sizetimbers and plankings are available. The given measurements are by wayof illustration only. I

As noted above the skin 2 and bolts 6 are of standard dimensions.Accordingly standard size strips, timbers, plankins readily available atany construction site may be used to construct any bridging member orfilling element as may be required. Such bridging members and fillingelements will be fully compatible with the pre-assembled form. Squaretimbers of mm and planks of 24 mm or 22 mm and a length of 60 to 80 mmmay be used interchangably as bolt material and as interspace, bridgingor filling members.

The assemblage of a plurality of pre-assembled forms for theconstruction of a ceiling is shown schematically in FIGS. 3-6. Theceiling area has dimensions which are not multiples of the pre-assembledforms. Consequently the forms are placed parallel to the length of theceiling in a manner so that an interspace or void field 7 resultsbetween the end-to-end forms, and a marginal space or void field 8results along one longitudinal edge. A crossing section 9 intersectsboth fields 7 and 8.

If the longitudinal field 8 is relatively narrow it will be sufficientmerely to insert a filling plank 10 having the same thickness as thepre-assembled forms 1. If the field 8 is somewhat larger, as seen inFIG. 4, then the plank 10 may be a square piece of timber, which isaugmented by a length of thin planking 1 1 set on end contiguous with itso as to flush the space completely. The planks 10 and 11 may be of asingle length or of a plurality of pieces.

The transverse space 7 may be bridged by a plurality of short bolt bars6, as seen in FIG. 5, the ends of which are respectively inserted ineach of the end-toend forms 1 so that each of the associated forms issecurely joined. A thin strip or plywood plank 12 is inserted betweenthe assembled forms so that the skin 2 of each is smooth joined in auniform facing to the other.

In FIGS. 7-10 a second installation is shown in which a filling element10, of the same length of the form 1 is placed between each of thelongitudinal marginal edges of adjacent forms. Additional narrow strips11 and filling elements 10 are used to fill out the entire dimension tobe covered. Because all the filling elements are of standard size andcompatible with the forms this may be done very easily and economically.The transverse space between the end-to-end forms is filled with a plank13 supported by the bolt bars 6' Looking at FIGS. 7-9 specifically thebolt bars 6" may be formed of two unplaned planks 14 of a thickness ofabout 24 mm each. The planks 14 may be nailed to each other. Thetransverse bridging plan 13 may then be a smooth planed plank of 22 mmthickness so that all portions of the installation lie in a commonplane, thus present a smooth face for the poured concrete.

In FIG. 11 a vertical wall structure is illustrated. Here it ispreferred that the forms be positioned vertically and that filling bars11" be positioned between each adjacent form preferably extending thefull height of the wall. Thus, if forms 1 are insufficient height,supplemental fonns 1, conveniently cut or trimmed from standard forms,may be stacked endwise thereon and secured to the filling elements 11".In such instances the bolt bars 6 should preferably be longer than thelower forms so that they extend into the upper supplementary forms. Onthe other hand short bolt bars 6' may be nailed with nails or screws tothe upper edge of the form 1 to extend into the form 1.

While the emphasis has been placed on using wood for the form material,the same benefits will of course be obtained by using other materials aspreviously mentioned. It is conceived that the forms may be molded ofplastic materials and that the filling elements, bolt bars and bridgingelements may be made of molded or extruded tubular or bar stock.

It will be obvious also that the present forms are not restricted to usein casting concrete and may for example be used as temporary earthretaining walls and the like.

From the foregoing it will be obvious that the objects and advantagesearlier enumerated as well as many others have been realized. Since manymodifications and changes will be apparent to those skilled in this artthe instant disclosure is to be taken as illustrative only of thepresent invention.

I claim:

1. An assemblage of forms for use in casting poured concrete comprisinga plurality of flat rectangular panel members arranged with theirtransverse edges in end to end relationship, each of said panel memberscomprising a pair of outer flat face members, an interna] frameworkformed of a marginal rib, having a breadth greater than half of thetransverse distance between the face members, secured to the interior ofeach face along each of their longitudinal edges and at least oneintermediate strip, said ribs and strips having parallel edge forming atleast two longitudinal continuous parallel channels from side to sidethrough the interior of said panel member and opening out of thetraverse edges thereof, said channels in each panel being alignedaxially with the corresponding channels in adjacent panel members, abolt bar having a cross section less than that of said channel locatedin selected ones of said channels and conforming thereto, said bolt barbeing dimensioned so as to be freely movable through said channel and toextend outwardly of either transverse side into a corresponding channelin the next adjacent panel member to serve as a support for adjacentlyarranged panel members.

2. An assemblage of forms according to claim 1, wherein the height ofthe channel is mm and the thigkness of the f ce elefments is 10 mm,

. An assemb age 0 forms according to claim 2,

wherein the bolt bars are formed by a pair of planks having a thicknesseach of 24 mm and the form includes a supplemental cover having athickness of 24 4. An assemblage of forms according to claim 1, arrangedto fill a given area, including filling members located selectivelybetween adjacent forms to completely fill said area and provide auniform surface.

5. The assemblage according to claim 4, wherein said filling membershave at least one dimension equal to the width of said forms so as toprovide a surface lying in a common plane with the face of said forms.

6. An assemblage of forms according to claim 1, wherein said panelmembers laid end-to-end have spaces therebetween and selected bolt barsbridge said spaces and include supporting each of said end-to-end panelmembers and including a cover member laid between said panel memberssecured to said selected bolt bars.

7. The assemblage according to claim 6, wherein said cover member has athickness sufficient to have a face lying in a plane common with one ofsaid form faces.

1. An assemblage of forms for use in casting poured concrete comprisinga plurality of flat rectangular panel members arranged with theirtransverse edges in end to end relationship, each of said panel memberscomprising a pair of outer flat face members, an internal frameworkformed of a marginal rib, having a breadth greater than half of thetransverse distance between the face members, secured to the interior ofeach face along each of their longitudinal edges and at least oneintermediate strip, said ribs and strips having parallel edge forming atleast two longitudinal continuous parallel channels from side to sidethrough the interior of said panel member and opening out of thetraverse edges thereof, said channels in each panel being alignedaxially with the corresponding channels in adjacent panel members, abolt bar having a cross section less than that of said channel locatedin selected ones of said channels and conforming thereto, said bolt barbeing dimensioned so as to be freely movable through said channel and toextend outwardly of either transverse side into a corresponding channelin the next adjacent panel member to serve as a support for adjacentlyarranged panel members.
 2. An assemblage of forms according to claim 1,wherein the height of the channel is 60 mm and the thickness of the faceelements is 10 mm.
 3. An assemblage of forms according to claim 2,wherein the bolt bars are formed by a pair of planks having a thicknesseach of 24 mm and the form includes a supplemental cover having athickness of 24 mm.
 4. An assemblage of forms according to claim 1,arranged to fill a given area, including filling members locatedselectively between adjacent forms to completely fill said area andprovide a uniform surface.
 5. The assemblage according to claim 4,wherein said filling members have at least one dimension equal to thewidth of said forms so as to provide a surface lying in a common planewith the face of said forms.
 6. An assemblage of forms according toclaim 1, wherein said panel members laid end-to-end have spacestherebetween and selected bolt bars bridge said spaces and includesupporting each of said end-to-end panel members and including a covermember laid between said panel members secured to said selected boltbars.
 7. The assemblage according to claim 6, wherein said cover memberhas a thickness sufficient to have a face lying in a plane common withone of said form faces.